Short Stay Accommodation Feasibility Study Underway

The City of Armadale recently appointed Urbis as the successful consultant to conduct a feasibility study and develop a business case relating to the opportunities for quality short stay accommodation within the City of Armadale.

Mayor Henry Zelones said the need for short stay (hotel and unit) accommodation was identified as a key action item in the City’s Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2017.

“Armadale has a lot to offer visitors, with over 30,000 customers to the City’s Visitors Centre and 220,000 people attending events and tourist attractions across the City during 2013. This is expected to increase rapidly over the next few years.

“Flanked by the hills of the Darling Scarp and the many natural attractions they offer, Armadale is an easy escape from Perth City and has a modern shopping hub offering extensive retail in the City centre.

“Armadale is the gateway to south western WA, located at the intersection of Albany and South West Highways, which is another key factor in terms of viability and location for the right accommodation product.

“We are close to the City yet away from the bustle, with an increasing profile as a tourism destination, national events throughout the year at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, and experiencing significant business growth at the Forrestdale Business Park – all of which attracts many people to the area.

“There is also a requirement for more accommodation to meet the needs of family and friends visiting relatives at the Armadale Kelmscott District Hospital.

“The primary purpose of the study will be to investigate the financial viability, and suitable locations for alternative accommodation options throughout the City.

“This information will be used as a tool to attract investors to develop much needed accommodation within the City of Armadale,” said Mayor Zelones.

Urbis has already engaged with a number of key stakeholders, from both the local business and government sectors, with a final report due in the second half of the year.

The City will be working with Tourism Western Australia and the Tourism Council of WA, to assist in marketing the study to investors, hotel developers and operators.

Any enquiries regarding this project should be directed to the City’s Manager of Economic Development on 9399 0111 or info@armadale.wa.gov.au.